- The Relationship Between Courage and Faith
- Hebrews 11:6 – "Without faith, it is impossible to please God."
- Courage is the forerunner of faith.
- Courage is not the absence of fear but doing what you should in spite of fear.
- Examples of courage in everyday life:
- Military, first responders, police officers, and firefighters show courage by acting despite fear.
- Biblical Examples of Courage
- Abraham and Sarah's Courage (Genesis 12:1-5)
- Abraham left his family to follow God, trusting in a promise he couldn’t see.
- Sarah followed Abraham despite uncertainty.
- Joseph’s Courage (Genesis 41:15-16)
- As a prisoner, Joseph courageously interpreted Pharaoh’s dream.
- Esther’s Courage (Esther 4:14-16)
- Esther risked her life to save Israel, believing she was born for such a time.
- Daniel’s Courage (Daniel 6:10-22)
- Daniel continued praying to God, knowing it might cost him his life.
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s Courage (Daniel 3:16-18)
- They refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar, facing the fiery furnace.
- Elijah’s Courage (1 Kings 18:33-38)
- Elijah poured water on the sacrifice, trusting God to send fire from heaven.
- Job’s Courage (Job 1:20-21)
- Despite losing everything, Job declared, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
- Mary’s Courage (Luke 1:30-38)
- Mary accepted the angel’s message, declaring, “Be it unto me according to your word.”
- The Apostles’ Courage (Matthew 4:19-22)
- The disciples left everything to follow Jesus.
- Peter’s Courage (Matthew 14:28-29)
- Peter walked on water at Jesus’ command.
- Courage of the Early Church (Acts 4:29-31)
- The apostles faced persecution but boldly proclaimed the gospel.
- The Source of True Success: Courage and Faith
- Courage is essential for success.
- Money, education, or pedigree won’t guarantee success.
- Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- When courage builds faith in God, success follows, for with God, all things are possible.
- God as Our Provider and Protector
- Psalm 23:5 – “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
- God makes a way when there seems to be no way:
- He closes the mouths of lions (Daniel 6).
- He appears in the flames of fire (Daniel 3).
- He sends fire from heaven on a water-soaked altar (1 Kings 18).
- Moses: The Courage to Try Again (Exodus 3)
- Moses initially failed when trying to help the Hebrews.
- God calls him again, challenging Moses to have the courage to try again—this time with God.
- Matthew 19:26 – “With God, all things are possible.”
- Acts 7:20-25 – Moses’ noble upbringing in Pharaoh’s house contrasts with his later feelings of inadequacy.
- Moses hid behind fear disguised as humility (“Who am I?”).
- Failure Does Not Define You
- Romans 8:28 – “All things work together for good to those who love God.”
- Like Moses, many let failure redefine them. But with God, failure is a stepping stone to future success.
- 1 John 4:4 – “Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.”
- Redefine failure: It’s an opportunity for growth, not the end.
- God’s Presence in Desolation
- Moses found God in the wilderness, at the backside of the desert.
- Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
- Even in desolate situations, God is there to strengthen, guide, and provide.
- God’s Power and Promises
- God moves mountains, makes a way, and provides no matter the circumstance:
- If you are sick, He is a healer.
- If you are in fear, He is the Prince of Peace.
- If you are burdened, He is the burden-bearer.
- Final Encouragement
- Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
- Stop looking at your circumstances and start looking to Christ, your Savior.
- Success, victory, and fulfillment in life will take Courage!